Jan. 5, 2026
The University of Rhode Island Board of Trustees approved the new Policy on Conflict of Interest and Commitment (01.017.1) and the revised Policy on Consensual Relationships (01.003.2) on November 7, 2025. The new Policy on the Rights of Students Pursuant to FERPA was approved by the President on December 2, 2025. All three administrative policies took effect as of January 1, 2026.
Policy on Conflict of Interest and Commitment (01.017.1)
The intent of this policy is to ensure that Employees of the University are aware of their obligations relative to conflicts of interest and commitment in the performance of their duties, and to comply with state and federal law. This new policy supersedes the existing Policy on Ethics and Conflict of Interest (01.009.1). The new policy was developed to incorporate conflict of commitment and to highlight potential conflict activities that may likely arise within the University setting.
https://web.uri.edu/policies/find/?_sf_s=conflict%20of%20interest%20and%20commitment
Policy on Consensual Relationships (01.003.2)
The intent of this policy is to ensure a learning and working environment characterized by professional and ethical behavior with respect to consensual relationships, in compliance with the Rhode Island Code of Ethics, where learners and employees are protected from associated conflicts of interest or uneven power dynamics. Revisions include consolidation and clarification of defined terms, greater detail on reporting and enforcement, and improved clarity and brevity of exceptions including removal of a superfluous table.
https://web.uri.edu/policies/find/?_sf_s=consensual%20relationships
Policy on the Rights of Students Pursuant to FERPA (03.101.1)
The purpose of this new administrative policy is to provide students, and anyone who maintains, accesses, or otherwise uses education records on behalf of the University, clear expectations to ensure compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (“FERPA”).
https://web.uri.edu/policies/find/?_sf_s=FERPA
All University Administrative Policies can be found at https://web.uri.edu/policies/.